[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes: All or nothing?
Playoffs, here we come?

There's no quarterback controversy in Maassluis. There is a rediscovered confidence in our quarterback after he spent nearly 3 games off the field, but despite still ailing from the broken wrist, he was cleared to play and has brought the Merchantmen back in the race for the division title and more. Rookie Monty Truitt will have to go back to waiting in the wings, Evan Drake has the offense back.

With QB Evan Drake's participation being a game time decision, we decided that the home game against the Gothenburg Giants was going to be an all-or-nothing game and he had to get the start. The game turned into an insta-classic. We scored on our first possession with Drake finding TE Garrett Alcala for the touchdown. Right after we had to give up a field goal, Drake and TE Wesley Martin responded with a 90-yard touchdown. From there on, the Merchantmen held ground, giving up one offensive touchdown and seeing Drake and Alcala connect once more in a 24-16 victory. Drake threw for 363 yards, Martin and Alcala combined for 248 yards receiving.

In the last home game of the regular season, we managed to beat the NAC West leading Colorado Cutthroats 34-3. A bit of a lopsided score, given that we took full advantage of winning the turnover battle 4-0. QB Evan Drake threw for 306 yards and 3 touchdowns, twice connecting with TE Garrett Alcala and once with WR Vinny Buysse. Alcala lead the team with 132 yards receiving.

European Divison:
1. Maassluis 10-5
2. Gothenburg 9-6
3. Paris 5-10
4. Bordeaux 4-11

So, we're back in business, aren't we? Yes we are, but it's still a bit hanging by a thread. We're going to need to win at Bordeaux to win the division and if we do, there's a tiny chance we'll promote to the #2 seed with a bye week, just where we were headed for not so long ago. But, if we lose and Gothenburg at home beats Paris, we'll miss the playoffs despite our 10-6 record. At least 3 teams in the AOC will miss the playoffs with a winning season. So yeah, it's not a done deal just yet. Our chances are pretty good though, so we'll better believe in them. Make it happen team: you've proven it in the first half of the season and are making a case for yourselves that we are a true contender.